Suggested Resources for Using MLA Citation Style

Why should I use a citation style?

In library orientations, we briefly talk about the importance of using a "citation style" when writing essays or research papers.

It is very important when writing papers to correcly cite any information that you use that is not your own, original information. So, if you take a direct quote from a book or a journal article, or even if you paraphrase the information (put it in your own words), you will need to cite this information. You will need to cite it both in the body of your paper and by creating a works cited list at the end of your paper. Failing to cite your sources is committing plagiarism.

There are a number of different citation styles used. For an ENC 1101 class you will be using a style called MLA. This citation style not only tells you how to cite your sources for your paper, but it also give you information about the general set up of a research paper - margin size, title page contents, page numbering etc. You are not expected to become experts in all the details of MLA. Below are links to other resources to assist and guide you in preparing your research essays and papers.

Purdue University's Online Writing Lab has created this very helpful site explaining almost everything you would ever want to know about MLA. Use the tool bar located on the left side of the page to select specific topics such as citing books, periodicals (magazines, journals & newspapers), electronic sources (websites, online articles, articles from databases, etc.)

Produced by Valencia College. Utilizing the "MLA Handbook Eight Edition", Valencia College has developed tutorials on how to cite Library Databases, Web Sites and other Electronic Sources.

MLA Citation Help - Atomic Learninig

Atomic Learning is a dynamic online, subscription-based tool that you have access to as an HCC student. Click on the following links to view short, descriptive videos on MLA citation writing style. If prompted, log in with your HCC NetID and password.

From the back of the book jacket: "Included are do's and don'ts for achieving concision, clarity and flow, as well as pointers on using punctuation, writing gracefully, citing sources and structuring persuasive writing."